Moor and more

A restful first night in the rented campervan is behind me. The day starts off gloomy. But the fresh baguette from the local baker and a Bialetti coffee awaken my spirits. 

Yesterday's evening trip to the Etang des Royes has sparked a desire for more. Therefore, today we'll head to the Etang de la Gruères. 

Through beautiful Jura pastures with many free-roaming horses and mother cows with their calves, we will arrive at our destination in a few minutes.

The nature reserve Etang de la Gruère covers more than 120 hectares. The peat bog stretches over an area of 56 hectares and has a nine-meter-thick layer of peat that has formed over 12,000 years (since the end of the ice ages). The peatland landscape lies mostly on the territory of the municipality of Saignelégier, but also in the areas of the Jura municipalities Bémont and Montfaucon, as well as in the Bernese Tramelan. The pond was dammed in the 17th century to operate a mill.

Surrounding the mystical lake is a well-maintained walking path, which in summer is surely overcrowded. But today, the few visitors are dispersed. Thus, I enjoy quiet moments by the lakeshore and soak up some sun for the upcoming gloomy autumn weeks. In some places, work is underway to restore the moor. Old drains are being filled in, water is being dammed to give the moor a chance to regenerate and to fulfill its important function as a CO2 store.

The area with its birches, the peat-brown pond, and its seclusion remind me of my trip through the Baltics. A corner that I definitely want to visit again.

Rain is forecast for the evening. Therefore, it's soon time to head back to the bus. A hearty afternoon snack replaces dinner, and then it's time to make plans. Tomorrow we continue, but where to?